If, indeed, Bruce is to continue his journey beyond these films in our minds imagination, a very corny way of doing it would be for him to hear the Joker escapes at the end. And I'd enjoy every second of it

__________________"I don't give a **** what you say. If I go out there and miss game winners, and people say, 'Kobe choked, or Kobe is seven for whatever in pressure situations,' Well, **** you. Because I don't play for your ******* approval. I play for my own love and enjoyment of the game. And to win. That's what I play for."-Kobe Bryant
"As of right now, I don't know what he do good, cause what may work on another fighter is not gonna work on me." - Floyd Mayweather

There could be some subtle reference, without having to mention him or his name.

Like how some Gothamites don't trust anyone or have gone crazy ( as the Joker himself said in TDK)

Remember in TDK, they talk about the Arkham psychos Joker has hired.
At the end of BB, Gordon is worried about the ex Arkham inmates who were still out there.
But in TDK, there was no mention of the LOS or RAG ( correct me if Im wrong)

Back to TDKR, they could also bring up the fact that all mob is locked up or killed

Since Harvey Dent is obviously getting a few mentions, I think the Joker is guaranteed one, too, since he was instrumental in Harvey's downfall. It looks like the whole Harvey Dent legacy is part of Bane's plan.

Unless there's an Arkham breakout, there's no problem story wise with Joker being absent.

__________________
"Sometimes I remember it one way. Sometimes another. If I'm going to have a past, I prefer it to be multiple choice!"

If Ledger were still alive, I could see Joker serving as the judge, just because he targeted Dent in TDK and because one of his stories about his past involved his wife getting involved with the mob. The scene could've elaborated more on Joker's past through the sentences he passed on the upperclass rich--businessmen and elected officials who were tied with the mob--and progressed Bane's plan for Gotham.

__________________
"Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative." - Oscar Wilde

__________________
My journey from 500 years in the future is to change the chaos inflicted by The Thread Manager.I know the fate of everyone.I only have one weakness.I have to recharge my ring every 72 hours.

There could be some subtle reference, without having to mention him or his name.

Like how some Gothamites don't trust anyone or have gone crazy ( as the Joker himself said in TDK)

Remember in TDK, they talk about the Arkham psychos Joker has hired.
At the end of BB, Gordon is worried about the ex Arkham inmates who were still out there. But in TDK, there was no mention of the LOS or RAG ( correct me if Im wrong)

Back to TDKR, they could also bring up the fact that all mob is locked up or killed

Yes I was actually thinking about this. I mean, I really hope there will be some mention of the Joker, but if Ras Al Gul wasn't brought up in TDK then there's a chance the Joker won't be in this one. But, as others have said, because Harvey will be spoken about in TDKR then maybe the Joker will.

__________________
What do you say we lighten things up and talk about abortion? - Bill Hicks

Ra's was different. Neither Gotham City or Gordon knew of his existence. Only Batman did. Everyone in Gotham is aware of the Joker. He made one hell of an impression on them. One that is still going to have repercussions in this.

__________________
"Sometimes I remember it one way. Sometimes another. If I'm going to have a past, I prefer it to be multiple choice!"

Ra's was different. Neither Gotham City or Gordon knew of his existence. Only Batman did. Everyone in Gotham is aware of the Joker. He made one hell of an impression on them. One that is still going to have repercussions in this.

Good point.

__________________
What do you say we lighten things up and talk about abortion? - Bill Hicks

Yes I was actually thinking about this. I mean, I really hope there will be some mention of the Joker, but if Ras Al Gul wasn't brought up in TDK then there's a chance the Joker won't be in this one. But, as others have said, because Harvey will be spoken about in TDKR then maybe the Joker will.

The main difference between the lack of mention of Ra's and a potential lack of mention of the Joker is that the public are unaware that Ra's and the League of Shadows were behind the fear toxin attack. The viral for The Dark Knight made it clear that the people of Gotham believe that Scarecrow and an unknown Terrorist group were responsible.
The Joker made himself a well known, self publicised force within the city and threatened the populace on television, walked the streets shooting at cars, blew up a hospital (after telling everyone in Gotham that he would) and forced an evacuation.

Ra's was different. Neither Gotham City or Gordon knew of his existence. Only Batman did. Everyone in Gotham is aware of the Joker. He made one hell of an impression on them. One that is still going to have repercussions in this.

Exactly my point, only bought up a few minutes before. The bat boards move too fast for me.

Ra's was different. Neither Gotham City or Gordon knew of his existence. Only Batman did. Everyone in Gotham is aware of the Joker. He made one hell of an impression on them. One that is still going to have repercussions in this.

The entire city was under attack by The League (with biological weapons), and they had to evacuate. They also said they infiltrated every level of their city. No reference at all of the massive attack or destruction from Begins in TDK is glaring.

The entire city was under attack by The League (with biological weapons), and they had to evacuate. They also said they infiltrated every level of their city. No reference at all of the massive attack or destruction from Begins in TDK is glaring.

The entire city was not attacked or evacuated. All the damage was contained on the Narrows Island.

Gordon: "The Narrows is lost"

That was the only damage done by the LOS. Their plot was foiled and Ra's was killed. Everything was wrapped up. The only loose end was Crane, who appeared in TDK. Oh and Falcone got a mention of being in Arkham and his empire was taken over by Maroni.

__________________
"Sometimes I remember it one way. Sometimes another. If I'm going to have a past, I prefer it to be multiple choice!"

The reason no reference is made in TDK to the events of Begins is because the story is self contained and the events of the previous film are irrelevant, even though it's a sequel. Rises will more than likely be the same.